Category Archives: Making A Difference

Posted on

Dog Training Started for Konnie

Konnie has been attending a weekly puppy group and has done so well that he has been moved into the young dog group.  During these sessions, we both learn important commands and he gets to socialise with other dogs.

At the weekend, Konnie passed the suitability test to be entered into the year-long Therapy Dog Training course.  He did extremely well on most elements of the test, but along with the other dogs on the course, he will need to learn new commands and skills.  The first module starts this coming weekend.

Staff members and some Grade 12 students continue to take Konnie for short walks during the day.  He loves his trips outside and all the dog walkers try hard to ensure there is consistency in what they do with Konnie.  For example, he always walks on the left-hand side.

Konnie still has a lot to learn.  He is not yet 5 months old, but we are already extremely pleased with his progress.

Konnie travelled to Scotland on the ferry over the Winter Break.  He loved his time on the beach in Amsterdam on our way home!

KvG

Posted on

Visit to the Waldpiraten Camp

On Monday the 11th of November, several Grade 11 students went to hand over a cheque of 4,100€ to the Waldpiraten Camp. The amount was raised by the H.I.S. community. It was a new school record and we felt proud to be able to represent our supportive school community.

When we arrived, two representatives explained the concept of their organization and how our money will benefit them. Afterwards, the students got a tour around the camp where we had the opportunity to see how the children get to spend their time. This included playing games, doing sports activities and making pizza.

We hope to visit the camp again next year and hand over an even bigger amount of money to help support more children.

Blog article by: Grade 11 students

Posted on

Grade 11 Fundraising Project

Help us to build a skyscraper

This year 13 students from grade 11 are traveling across the world to help people who are in need. Three students will go to Mayana, Namibia and the others will go to Bucharest, Romania with the non-profit organizations Make Change Possible and Habitat for Humanity.

To raise the money to finance the project costs of these trips, the class has decided to make a skyscraper that needs to be completed.

Please help us to build the Skyscraper by buying any missing item:

single window: 5€, single fancy window: 15€, line of windows: 30€, bird: 7€, tree: 10€, door: 50€, antenna: 75€, sun: 150 €.

You have the chance to buy any of the mentioned items from the 18th to the 22nd of November after school in the school foyer or you can put your order and the correct amount of money in a box placed in front of the office (box, envelopes and order forms will also be available from the 18th of November).

When the skyscraper is all finished, you will be able to see what part of the building you and the children contributed. With your help and additional individual fundraising, we hope to be able to raise our goal of 8360€. This money will pay for the building materials and experts on the building site in Romania and for the individual projects in Namibia.

In addition to this next week there will be our first Healthy Bake Sale, Wednesday, the 20th of November after school. Don’t miss it! Grade 11 deeply appreciates your help in our mission to make the world a better place.

Kira, Grade 11

Posted on

Martinsmännchen schmecken echt gut!

Traditionally the week before the 11th November you can find pastries shaped like men in bakeries all around Germany.

These pastry men are called Martinsmännchen or Weckmänner and are one of the customs used in Germany to remember and celebrate St. Martin from Tours. He was a Roman soldier and later became bishop, who was well known for his lovingness and care towards others.

The most famous legend about him was that he had once cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm.

In order to celebrate him and his positive attitude towards others, Grade 3 made dough and formed little man shaped buns during German lessons.

They decorated their men with raisins and chocolate drops. In order to follow St. Martin’s example of being caring, they also made a Martinsmännchen for our Grade 1 students. The students really enjoyed baking and handing out their Weckmänner to the younger students.

text & photos: SH&SST

Posted on

Konnie – First Day at H.I.S.

Konnie had a lovely autumn break, visiting family and meeting new people.  Although he did not like the lead at first, he is getting used to it and enjoys short walks around our neighbourhood.

Konnie had a visit to the school during the autumn break.  He enjoyed walking through the empty hallways and trying out his bed in the Learning Support Room.

Today was his first official day at H.I.S.  He was very excited and is gradually getting used to the busy sights and sounds in school.  At this time, I will ask students to refrain from petting him.  He is still learning and although he is very friendly, he does like chewing on things!

Before he interacts with our students, parental permission will be required.  More information on this will follow soon.

Konnie is not yet trained as a Therapy dog, but he already seems to have a calming effect on our students.  As they move to the German class, next door, students have been very quiet and respectful.  There have been a lot of smiles too!

 

text: KvG; photos: KvG & AS

Posted on

Konnie

We took Konnie home on Sunday evening.  He was sad at times as he was separated from his parents and his siblings.  Absolutely everything is new for him.  He was really brave on the car ride home.  Here he is having a break at the halfway point.

Once he arrived home, he immediately explored his surroundings and seemed very relaxed.  He is becoming familiar with our routines.

He loves exploring our garden and playing with his toys.

He is only 9 weeks old so he still needs to sleep a lot.

Training has already begun and we are optimistic that he is a fast learner.

We have instantly become very popular in our village.  Everyone we meet wants to stroke and speak to Konnie (short for Konrad).

 Konnie will join us in school after the autumn break.

Many thanks to the whole H.I.S. community, especially the PTG, for making this possible.

text & photos KvG

Posted on

Eat Local

Grade 8 students served delicious pumpkin soup

During Homeroom Grade 8 students made Pumpkin Soup and served it to the school staff for lunch as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.  They raised 49.80 euros!  The Pumpkins were grown and harvested locally. Grade 8 would like to encourage people to eat local produce to help protect the Environment.

H.I.S. staff members were delighted about the delicious lunch, served by Grade 8. Many thanks to Grade 8 and their Homeroom Teacher John Knowles for this fantastic service. We can’t wait to taste the next soup…!